Dear designers, merely having basic UX skills is insufficient for a successful career in design.

The design community often debates what truly defines a competent designer. Many newcomers are under the impression that understanding basic UX is all they need to kickstart their careers. However, this perception is misleading.

The reality is that simply focusing on UX or UI design won’t suffice for career advancement in this industry. My insights stem from experience, and while some may perceive my confidence as arrogance, I assure you it’s rooted in reality.

Despite criticism regarding my portfolio choices, I have secured more job opportunities than many professionals, having worked with numerous companies throughout my career.

Today’s designer expectations have been skewed by bootcamp training. Many have been misled into thinking that basic UX is enough, but additional skills are essential for employability.

Let’s explore the skill sets you should develop to enhance your career prospects in design.

Skills You May Have Overlooked When mentees come to me feeling defeated after multiple rejections, I can only offer them encouragement since I can't magically make them job-ready.

Being job-ready means possessing skills that enable you to make a meaningful impact at work. Just having fundamental UX knowledge is not enough.

Project Management One significant gap I’ve observed in struggling mentees is their lack of project management abilities.

Understanding how to document design requirements, establish timelines, and measure design success post-launch are critical skills that many junior designers lack.

There are ample online resources for basic project management. I urge you to explore them. Adding project management to your skill set will be beneficial.

Visual Design The necessity of visual design in the UX domain continues to be a topic of debate, yet it remains crucial. If you cannot create designs, your credibility as a designer may suffer.

Many underestimate the importance of visual design and consequently falter in interviews or portfolio reviews. Mastering this skill takes time, so if you haven’t started yet, I encourage you to begin now.

Writing and Communication As UX writing gains traction in various sectors, designers often find themselves responsible for creating product text when budgets don’t allow for dedicated UX writers.

A versatile professional who can handle multiple tasks is more appealing to employers. Effective communication and writing skills are invaluable in ensuring your design intentions resonate with non-design-oriented team members.

Improving your writing skills will benefit you long-term and save you costs on hiring a resume writer.

Facilitation Skills Many designers today underestimate the importance of facilitation, which is the ability to guide discussions to help stakeholders reach decisions.

Though once dismissed as trivial, the rise of “Design Thinking” underscores its significance as a core competency for top designers.

Having facilitated numerous design thinking workshops, I can attest to the efficiency it brings when executed correctly, saving considerable meeting time.

Basic Coding The debate surrounding coding knowledge in the UX community continues, yet understanding basic coding principles can provide a significant advantage, especially in digital design.

Professionals with computer science backgrounds often outperform their design-trained counterparts early in their careers. Knowing the limitations of digital solutions can prevent wasted time on unfeasible designs.

While some argue that coding knowledge can stifle creativity, I believe it typically enhances it. Understanding code empowers you to ensure developers adhere to your designs, especially when you can create live prototypes.

Learning Order of Skills While there are additional skills not mentioned here, the sequence in which you acquire them is subjective.

Here’s how I prioritized my skill development, which may not be the definitive order but reflects my journey: 1. Basic coding 2. Visual design 3. Writing and communication 4. Project management 5. Facilitation skills

Choosing Your Learning Path Different job markets prioritize different skills, so I can’t provide a one-size-fits-all answer. However, I suggest starting with the most challenging skill—visual design—since it requires extensive practice and resources.

For your foundational years, focus on visual design, project management, and writing. These skills are essential for building a successful career.

Cost of Skills Acquisition Interestingly, skills like graphic design, writing, and basic coding can be learned for free. Numerous resources are available online without any cost.

While paid courses can supplement your learning, I advise against spending excessively, as many industries strive to make educational content accessible.

Conversely, project management and facilitation skills can be costly. If you can invest in these areas, consider doing so, but if not, advocate for professional development opportunities within your organization.

Showcasing Your Skills You might wonder how to highlight these skills, especially if they aren't common in job descriptions.

First, ensure these skills are included in your resume. Having a diverse skill set increases the chances of your resume being noticed.

Next, your portfolio should reflect your ability to communicate effectively and manage diverse tasks. A standout portfolio can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews.

Lastly, practice integrating these skills into your design projects. The ability to demonstrate how you’ve applied these skills will give you compelling stories to share during interviews, enhancing your appeal to potential employers.

Final Thoughts Many juniors struggle in design due to unrealistic expectations set by bootcamps or inadequate education.

Experienced practitioners have long warned about the pitfalls of half-baked training, but many remain unaware of the actual skills required in the professional world.

This article aims to shed light on the essential competencies needed for career advancement.

Ultimately, the distinction between new and seasoned designers often lies in their skill sets and overall competence.

Be strategic in your career approach, and remember that a well-rounded skill set is essential for success.

Until next time, take care!